The Opeth shirt came in handy on the plane ride back from Rome. Strangely enough, Neurosis were on the same flight! The shirt got notice from Steve Von Till, who commented on my hammer tattoo as we stood next to each other in baggage claim...

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Chris Davison

A word about reviews...

To clarify:

I was a staff writer at the British website Live 4 Metal for over 7 years. After a brief second run, editor Steve Green has now permanently closed down Live 4 Metal. I continue to write for Heavy Metal at About.com (editor: Chad Bowar). I am also now a contributing writer to the new 'zine Backlit (editors: Josh Haun and Brandon Duncan), and have just recently joined the staff at both Last Rites and Metal Bandcamp.

I use this blog to write album and concert reviews, as well as other odds and ends that pique my interest.

This is a hobby and nothing more. Hence, my reviews are solely my opinion and are written from the standpoint of a long time fan (I have been listening to metal since about 1978 or so). I do not write reviews from the standpoint of a musician, nor from an ideological point of view.

I do not use this blog to promote, or discuss, ideology, although I am an atheist and I have a scientific background. I do not engage in arguments about the "purity" or ideological slant of artists, but I do draw the line with racism and overt misogyny.

My opinions are impersonal. Negative opinions of an album are in no way meant as an insult to any person or band. If you take offense, please be aware that none was intended. My opinions are mine alone, and are merely based upon what I hear and whether I like what I hear. If you agree with me, fine. If you do not agree with me, that's fine, as well. Feel free to disagree and drop me a line if you wish to engage in a rational discussion. I do not engage in name calling, though, which is the last resort of those that lack the tools to engage in civil discourse.